CONFIDENTIALITY

• Although every pupil must be listened to with sensitivity, no promise of confidentiality can or ever should be given where abuse is alleged. However only those who need to know will be told.
• All who work in St Malachy’s have A PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY TO SHARE RELEVANT information about the protection of children with other professionals, including investigative agencies.
• All who work in St Malachy’s should recognise, therefore, that in order to protect young people from harm, confidentiality must be subordinate to the need to take appropriate action, by involving others in the best interests of the young person.

CODE OF CONDUCT FOR STAFF IN ST MALACHY’S

All who work in St Malachy’s College must safeguard and promote the welfare of all pupils in their care. This duty rests with all members of staff (including temporary and voluntary) and implicit in it is the assumption that the conduct of school staff towards pupils must be above reproach. We are in a position of trust.

Private Meeting with Pupils

• We in St Malachy’s are aware of the dangers which may arise from private interviews with individual pupils.
• If a meeting must take place, it will be in a room with visual access
• Alternatively, it will take place in a room with the door open or an area which is likely to be frequented by others.
• Where appropriate, another adult or pupil will be present or nearby during the interview.

Physical Contact with Pupils

• As a general rule, staff are advised not to make unnecessary physical contact with pupils.
• Physical contact which may be misconstrued by the pupil or other observers should be avoided.
• Designated Staff who have to administer first aid should ensure whenever possible that other children or another adult is present.
• Following any incident where the teacher feels his/her actions have been or may have been misconstrued a written report of the incident should be submitted immediately to Dr Morrin. This would apply especially to cases where teachers have been obliged to restrain a pupil to prevent him from inflicting injury to others or self.
• Particular care should be given when staff are supervising pupils in a residential setting such as an outdoor trip or hotel